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More transparency needed in temporary foreign worker program

NDP Employment and Social Development critic Jinny Sims (Newton – North Delta) is urging the Conservative government to release the names of employers who have been allowed to bring temporary foreign workers into Canada.

“If the Conservatives are obeying the rules regarding who can bring in temporary workers, there is no good reason for them not to make this information publicly available in a searchable database,” said Sims. “Canadian workers have a right to know if they are losing out on jobs because companies are unfairly being allowed to bring in foreign labour.”

Sims is urging the government to release details including which employers are being permitted to hire temporary workers and general information on the conditions of employment. Much of this information was previously available through Access to Information requests. However, in the last six months the Employment and Social Development Canada has returned requests with the relevant information blacked out. Temporary Foreign Worker Program regulations require that employers prove that they were unable to find qualified Canadian workers or permanent residents.